Electrically heated windshield controller
US5072098A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 11, 1990 |
| Grant date | Dec 10, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 11, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T10/70
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Electrical power for an electrically heated vehicle windshield is controlled by an arrangement utilizing a modified alternator coupled to the windshield heater via an autotransformer. In a high power mode, the vehicle battery is coupled to a center tap of the alternator, while in a normal power mode the vehicle battery is coupled to a conventional rectified output of the alternator. A microprocessor controlled silicon controlled rectifier bridge provides direct current to the windshield heater element by rectifying the output of the autotransformer. Additionally, a current sensor coupled to the heater element is utilized by the microprocessor to determine the electrical resistance of the heater element in order to take required diagnostic measures.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.